Recent Advances in Genetically Enhanced Microorganisms for Environmental Detoxification and Pollution Control

ABSTRACT

Genetically engineered microorganisms (GEMs) are increasingly being explored as effective tools for removing a wide range of environmental pollutants, including persistent organic compounds, heavy metals, and industrial wastes. This review summarizes recent progress in microbial detoxification, with particular attention to how genetic and metabolic engineering can improve processes such as biodegradation, biosorption, bioaccumulation, enzymatic transformation, and the use of microbial consortia. Key strategies discussed include enhancing the expression of degradative enzymes, optimizing metabolic pathways, improving metal‐binding capacity, and increasing microbial tolerance to environmental stress. The application of GEMs in hydrocarbon‐contaminated environments, pesticide‐affected soils, and wastewater treatment systems is also examined, alongside emerging opportunities for the biodegradation of plastic‐derived compounds. In addition, the review considers important biosafety and environmental concerns, including the risks of gene transfer, ecological imbalance, and current regulatory challenges. Practical limitations in field applications, such as fluctuating environmental conditions, metabolic constraints, and the presence of mixed pollutants, are highlighted, along with emerging solutions based on synthetic biology, genome editing, and engineered microbial communities. The role of omics technologies, biosensor‐assisted monitoring, and biocontainment strategies is discussed within the context of advancing the field toward safer and more effective implementation. Overall, GEMs hold significant promise for sustainable pollution management, although further work is needed to support their safe and effective use in real‐world conditions.